M5 motorway, Controlled-access highway in England, GB.
The M5 is a major road in England running from West Bromwich near Birmingham to Exeter in Devon across several counties. It connects the Midlands to the South West over approximately 160 miles (260 km) with three lanes each way on many stretches.
The first section opened in 1962 between junction 4 and the M50, initially with two lanes each way. The route extended southward in stages until 1977 to link Birmingham to the Devon coast.
The route links factory towns in the Midlands to seaside resorts and harbor cities along the coast of Devon and Somerset. During summer months, traffic increases southbound as families head to English Channel beaches and explore coastal landscapes.
Several service areas along the route offer parking, restrooms and food for breaks during longer journeys. The road is generally well signed but can become slippery during rain and fog in winter, especially on sections through hilly terrain.
The junction at Almondsbury where the M5 meets the M4 is a multi-level structure with intertwined roadways and bridges. On clear days some sections south of Bristol offer wide views across the Severn estuary and the Welsh hills beyond.
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